Coronavirus briefing: Five updates for Wednesday, March 4
“Any American can be tested” for coronavirus, says Vice President Mike Pence as the United States plans to ramp up testing for the virus.
The virus, first reported in China, has swept across Asia and now has sparked new outbreaks in Europe and the United States.
More than 94,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 3,200 deaths as of March 4, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 125 confirmed cases with 11 deaths, most in Washington state.
The World Health Organization has labeled the coronavirus outbreak a “very high” risk of spread and impact, but has so far stopped short of declaring it a global pandemic.
Here are the latest daily updates for Wednesday, March 4:
Pence: ‘Any American can be tested’
The United States vowed to ramp up testing for the virus causing COVID-19 as national cases continue to grow, CNN reported.
“Any American can be tested,” Pence said, adding there are now “no restrictions, subject to doctors’ orders.” The vice president also said “any clinician or health authority can administer the test.”
The change comes amid criticism of the strict testing protocols initially instituted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CNN reported.
Coronavirus death rate worse than flu
The World Health Organization says the global coronavirus death rate has risen to 3.4 percent from the earlier 2 percent rate, outstripping the flu, Fox News reports.
The flu, which kills from 290,000 to 650,000 people worldwide each year, has a death rate of less than 1 percent, WHO reported.
“While many people globally have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains, COVID-19 is a new virus to which no one has immunity; that means more people are susceptible to infection, and some will suffer severe disease,” said WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Fox News reported.
London Book Fair canceled amid coronavirus fears
The London Book Fair, the second-largest book fair in the world and one of the United Kingdom’s largest annual events, has been canceled, BBC News reports.
The book fair had been scheduled to begin March 10, according to the network. Amazon, Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster had already pulled out of the event.
The London Book Fair attracts more than 25,000 people each year, BBC News reported. It had been due to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
Amazon employee in Seattle tests positive for virus
An Amazon employee in Seattle, the company’s headquarters, has tested positive for coronavirus, CNBC reported.
The Seattle area in Washington has emerged as the U.S. epicenter for coronavirus, with more than 25 cases reported and all nine U.S. deaths, according to the network.
The infected employee works in the company’s Amazon Brazil office in downtown Seattle, CNBC reported. The employee is now in quarantine.
“The employee went home feeling unwell on Tuesday, February 25 and has not entered Amazon offices since that time,” an Amazon memo to employees says, according to the network.
Tips to help protect yourself from coronavirus
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The agency also advises washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
The CDC does not advise that healthy people wear face masks, but says they should be worn by coronavirus patients to help avoid spreading the illness.
This story was originally published March 4, 2020 at 6:04 AM.